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DBKU to build floral garden inspired by Singapore's iconic Gardens by the Bay

Hilmy (second right) joins other distinguished guests for a photo call at the event. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (Aug 1): The Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) has announced plans to build a new 16-hectare floral garden, inspired by Singapore's renowned Gardens by the Bay, in an effort to enhance urban greenery and boost eco-tourism. According to Kuching North Datuk Bandar Dato Hilmy Othman, the proposed garden will be located near Jalan Astana, where the existing Orchid Garden will be relocated and incorporated into the new development. 'DBKU will relocate the current Orchid Garden and develop a new floral garden on a 16-hectare site, making it more accessible to the public and positioning it as a major attraction for both tourists and plant lovers,' he said. He made the remarks during his speech at the 37th Kuching City Day celebration at Pangkalan Sapi, Petra Jaya here today. He said the development will draw inspiration and reference from the Gardens by the Bay project in Singapore, and that DBKU intends to work with experienced consultants to ensure the project meets international standards. The floral garden is part of a broader urban greening initiative by DBKU, which also includes the upcoming Bamboo Gallery Bamboo – an eco-architecture exhibition centre that will feature local bamboo species and information on environmental sustainability. Spanning 25 hectares, the Bamboo Gallery Bamboo is expected to be a new recreational destination in Kuching and will be developed around the Jalan Crookshank area, near Taman Perpaduan. 'We aim to preserve the site's natural greenery and heritage,' Hilmy added. The projects align with DBKU's vision to transform Kuching into a low-carbon city by 2030, in line with the Sarawak Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS 2030). 'DBKU plays a vital role in planning, developing, maintaining, and enhancing northern Kuching, particularly areas like the Kuching Waterfront, Dataran Ibu Pertiwi, the Botanical Garden, and Taman Perpaduan. 'These are all sources of pride for city residents,' said Hilmy, affirming that these sustainability- and innovation-driven projects reflect DBKU's commitment to making Kuching a greener, more livable, and globally competitive city. Themed 'Smart City of Unity, Embracing a Sustainable Future', the event was officiated by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, representing Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Among the dignitaries present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; State Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Sarawak Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah; Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Project Coordination for Regional Development Agencies, DBKU and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi; State Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil; Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Law, State-Federal Relations and MA63) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali; State Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication (Sarawak Energy Berhad and Petros) Dato Ibrahim Baki; and Kuching South Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng. DBKU floral garden Gardens by the Bay Kuching Singapore